How Will You Fight this Cold & Flu Season?

A pink note came home from my daughters school the other day. The Swine flu has reached her classroom. With no H1N1 shots available I have decided to combat the cold/flu season my own way. The Homeopathic way.

We wash our hands continuously. We take Vitamin C with Zinc chasers (helps with absorption). We cough into our arms, blow our noses regularly and get plenty of fluids, fresh air and exercise. We also drink hot liquids like hot water mixed with honey and fresh lemon juice, which help keep germs from proliferating in our throat. Once washed down they cannot survive in our stomach, this includes the flu. Included in my homeopathic arsenal is a slew of items from Boiron.

Boiron, is the world leading homeopathy company for over sixty-five years. Part of living a greener lifestyle has me searching for items that are pure and not chemically altered or manufactured like your standard OTC drugs. They cause hyperactivity, drowsiness and even dehydration. I'm willing to try Boiron's kids line for cold's and flu's when and if we do get sick this season.

What will you be doing this year to prevent the cold and flu season from infilitrating your home? I want to know!

Toy Safety Tips by Malcolm Denniss:

Malcolm Denniss is the Technical Director for SGS Consumer Testing Services and he offers up these five important tips for parents.

1. The most important aspect of buying gifts for children (whether for holidays or birthdays) is to make sure the toy or game is age-appropriate for the child. Nearly every toy or game will list the appropriate age on the box. The guidelines were developed by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Toy Industry Association, and take into account the typical ability of children to handle certain toys. Buying toys for children that are younger than the indicated age, even though we think a child may grow into it or is capable may lead to inappropriate play patterns and hazards that a child is not yet prepared for.

2. Children are naturally excited to play with new toys at holiday times, often in a robust and possibly in an overly enthusiastic manner. It is important that parents periodically check their children’s toys for any damage or breakage, which could create sharp edges or a choking hazard. If a toy looks damaged, take it away! If necessary, contact the manufacturer to verify that it is still safe to play with.

3. While toy shopping during the holidays, check recall notices at the toy or department store to verify none of child’s existing toys have been recalled and are still in your child’s room or toy box.

4. If you are buying toys for nephews, nieces, or other children that you may not see on a regular basis, it is always a good idea to check with the parents and make sure you know what they think is appropriate for the child, particularly for very young children where maturity can vary significantly. Be particularly careful when buying for children under the age of three years. This age group often still puts toys in their mouths, so check the front of the toy package to see if the toys have small parts before buying.

5. Teach kids outdoor and indoor play safety. It’s important to teach them to not play ball games near roadways and to always look where they are running if the ball goes outside the play area. Never let them play near roads and areas where automobiles are driving. Do not let them play with flying toys indoors where they can not only knock over fragile decorations but can also hit bystanders.

Fun Find- KidSafe

Are you all about baby proofing your home right now or need some good advice on how to childproof your home in the best possible way? Then head to KidSafe for all your baby/child proofing needs!

KidSafe has the largest online selection of baby proofing items as well as a lot of good, solid advice and tips. There is even a section on poisonous plants, how to prevent window falls and a guide to finding the right baby gate. If you are looking for a product from a specific company like Evenflo or Gerber or just need cabinet locks or corner cushions then you have found the best place at KidSafe.

Everything is broken down into sensible categories from gates to balcony safety and there is even a customer review section. Check out KidSafe for the most child safety information found online.

WedgEZ

Don't even tell me what you are thinking when you read that title. A WedgEZ is a simple little plastic tool that removes outlet plugs. You know, those child-proof plugs we stick in outlets that become parent-proof as well? The WedgEZ easily wedges itself behind the plug and pops that sucker right out. No more broken nails or using words in front of the kids that you shouldn't as you try to actually use an outlet in your home!

What's more the WedgEZ does not damage walls or outlets as you pull the plugs free. No marks, no muss, no fuss! I know it has made life around our house easier and a bit saner now that I'm not wrestling with those annoying plastic plugs and ruining a fine manicure.

You can purchase WedgEZ for $3.99 or 3 for $9.99 online or by mail. The website has all the information you need. Designed by two parents the WedgEZ makes a great gift for new parents, a wonderful addition to your own aresnal of child-proof/parent-proof items and an all around high quality product. Check it out today!

Danger Rangers

Teaching your children about safety is one of the top concerns parents have. It can never start early enough but sometimes we need a little bit of help. It is a daunting task with a lot of lessons to remember. That’s where Danger Rangers comes in. This imaginative, highly informative, action adventure series does a great job in teaching kids general and specific safety lessons in an easy to comprehend and exciting way.

"Think Safe, Play Safe, Be Safe, Safety Rules!" That is the Danger Ranger motto. Upon hearing it my daughter immediately ran to the TV to see what was going on. She agreed with everything the Danger Rangers said including the lesson on why you should tie your shoes. Fire Safety? The Rangers have it down. The music on these DVDs is catchy and I even enjoyed the bright, first-class animation. This is not your average hokey kid DVD. The characters are likable and the story lines fun and informative. Between the seal, mouse, bear, cat, turtle and the bossy narrator Danger Rangers really does rule!

Safety Rules discusses child safety restraints, telling an adult where you are, always having a plan, and accidents that happen in the home. This 28 minute DVD is literally packed with useful tips and tidbits on safety in the home and outside of it. It gets the kids involved and points out things that we parents sometimes forget or miss. I discussed this series with some of the Moms on the block and found out that my local elementary school uses the Danger Rangers series with the kids to teach them fire safety, pool rules, gun safety and so much more. What a great idea! Elementary school kids will easily identify with the characters and be sucked in to the adventures this safety team takes on. I love the premise of Danger Rangers and unlike some of the kooky and just plain cheap DVDs I’ve seen as a reviewer this one really did impress me. Through the safety tips the Danger Rangers involve all family members and members of the community fostering a real group effort feel that is invaluable to me. I will show it to my daughter over and over as she continues to grow.

The DVD isn’t the only great thing about the Danger Rangers. The website is chocked full of fun lessons, music and games for kids to get involved in with their friends and family. You can even obtain a free DVD off the website too. The store contains calendars, books, more DVDs and so much more. I really can’t put into words how fun and informative these DVDs truly are. Not only did I heed some of the information for my family but I found myself bopping to the ‘safety’ songs with my daughter and singing them all day long. Do your family a favor and check out all that the Danger Rangers have to offer today!



I’m giving away four copies of the Danger Rangers Mission 547: Safety Rules DVD. The first four people to email me at veamason AT gmail DOT com will get them!